What is your name?Jan van Dam
Please enter the name of your Blog
jansblog
What is your current age or age range?
59
What country are you native to?
Netherlands, Dutch
What area of Philippines Expat and Travel do you current live
Antipolo City, Rizal
How long have you lived in Philippines?
4 months
When you moved to Philippines Expat and Travel, did you bring your family? What do they think?
my Philippino wife, she's happy to live near her family
Did you leave your family behind? How do you handle the separation?
my Dutch family, the were happy for me
What made you decide to relocate to a different country?
my unemployment at the age of 58
Why did you choose Philippines Expat and Travel, or what factors helped you to decide to choose Philippines Expat and Travel?
I like to share my experiences in the Philippines to the rest of the world
What other countries did you consider? Why didn't you choose those?
none
Was it difficult to get the documents you needed to live and/or work there? (residency and/or working permit)
I don't need it, I'm a so called 'balikbayan'
What was the most difficult part of the transition?
selling our house in Holland took some time, and getting our pet to the Philippines
What was the biggest mistake you made in the transition to living in Philippines Expat and Travel?
none so far
What was the easiest part of making the transition?
It was getting colder in Europe, but the Philippines was warm
Do you plan on returning to your home country? Why or why not?
just for holliday's
Do you miss your family, friends or old home and habits?
not really
What do you miss the most about your home country?
the high taxes :-)
Are there the same recreational activities in Philippines Expat and Travel?
I don't know yet
How easy has it been to make new friends in Philippines Expat and Travel?
none so far
Do you have many friends from your home country in Philippines Expat and Travel?
not that I know of
What are your favorite activities that are available?
computer, Photography,
What are the top ten things you miss about the place you left behind?
some friends, family,
What are the top ten things you DON'T miss about the place you left behind?
cold weather, high taxes,
Do you speak the language of Philippines Expat and Travel?
a little
Do you think it is crucial to know the language in Philippines Expat and Travel, or can you get by with a handheld translation dictionary for a while?
It's not necessary becouse practically all Philippino's speak some English, but it would be handy to understand Tagalog
Was medical insurance difficult to get before you went or after you first arrived?
not at all
Did you move to your new location after retirement, or are you currently working or looking for work?
was unemployed in Holland at 58, now a kind of early retired
How do you earn your living in Philippines Expat and Travel?
my pension from Holland
Do you generally earn your income the same way, or in the same profession, as in your home country?
no
How did you go about finding a job in Philippines Expat and Travel? Was it easy or hard to locate work and get a job?
n/a
What types of sources did you use to find a job there? (agency, newspaper, website?)
n/a
If you are telecommuting, what obstacles, if any, did you face in setting up your communication methods?
slow internet and expensive phone connection
Are there local customs that would make it difficult for foreigners to fit in?
I don't think so. Foreigners should watch out that they are not showing themselves if they are superior becouse of having some money.
What are the top ten things you like about Philippines Expat and Travel?
The climat, the friendly people, the good food
What are the top ten things you DON'T like or find strange about Philippines Expat and Travel?
I don't like the way lots of Philipino's handle their garbage. Sometimes they just throw it somewhere or just burn it aside the street.
Do you have plans to move again or travel in the future or what are your future business plans?
I like to see surrounding counties like Japan, Australia, Singapore etc.
Did you buy a new home or did you decide to rent?
We rent to start, now we are looking to buy.
What is the average cost for housing in your area?
renting 10 to 15 k
Was it difficult to find housing in your new country?
no
Is the cost of living comparable to what you experienced before? Explain the difference.
it is more expensive then a few years ago, prices in supermarket are almost the same as Europe
List some things that are more expensive in Philippines Expat and Travel
telephone, landline and mobile. Also internet connection is more expensive than I was used to.
List some things that are less expensive in Philippines Expat and Travel
fruits and some vegetables, costs of house-employees, cars
How do you feel about the local people? Are they friendly?
Philipino people are known as very friendly people, they always smile and are happy with what they have.
What is the best thing about people in Philippines Expat and Travel?
that they are hospitable and friendly
Do you have any suggestions for people who are thinking about moving to Philippines Expat and Travel?
try to get used to the philipino way of life, don't try to live the way of life you are used to have.
What are the good or bad things about living in Philippines Expat and Travel?
Philipino's are always late on appointments or just don't show up. Their only way of communication is texting on their cell phone
Do you think you will stay in Philippines Expat and Travel, or it is not suitable for the long run?
I will die here.
If you are living there for the short term, what other countries are you considering?
n/a
Do you have any blogs or websites that you find enjoyable about Philippines Expat and Travel for people living there?
there are many: like: http://houseonahill.net, www.liveinthephilippines.com and many others
What else would you like to say?
come to the philippines and enjoy the life here, no hurry, nothing a must, good food, friendly people
Please the url of your Blog
jansblog
